Mid-Year Momentum: Where We Are, Where We're Going

A few weeks ago I had the good fortune to join ocean leaders, innovators, and champions from across our community to participate in official programming and multiple side events to the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC). Reflecting on the conversations from that week, I’m struck by how powerfully it underscored both the urgency of global ocean challenges and the rising influence of the marine technology sector in addressing them. For MTS, our participation as a side event host and convenor wasn’t just a moment in time – it was a marker of how far we’ve come as a convener, amplifier, and catalyst within the ocean community.

Whether at UNOC in Nice, at OCEANS Brest, in Houston for a microcredential development workshop, or at the MATE ROV Competition World Championship, our presence in key arenas this month has been both intentional and impactful. These engagements are the result of years of steady work by our members to position MTS as a trusted convenor and amplifier of our collective voices. At UNOC we were proud to partner with the World Economic Forum for an official side event and to join the prestigious lineup of OceanQuest partners. I’ve noticed this year that our seat at the table is increasingly requested – even assumed.

In conversations at UNOC, OCEANS, and with MATE World Championship sponsors and competitors a few large-scale marine technology themes have recently become more clear:

1. Marine technology is no longer optional. It’s foundational to the kind of ocean intelligence needed to inform smart policy and resource management across all ocean communities.
2. Industry must be an equal partner. Solutions to global ocean and societal challenges require alignment across public, private, and philanthropic sectors – and that starts with a shared seat at the table.
3. We need catalytic funding. The societal will to solve and manage big challenges is there, but scalable solutions require de-risked capital and bold, collaborative investment strategies.
4. Regulatory complexity is slowing us down. The intentions behind international policy frameworks like BBNJ (Ocean Biodiversity), UNCLOS (Law of the Sea), and the Paris Agreement (Climate Treaty) are sound – but without regulatory clarity, we run the risk of becoming too top-heavy and bogging down progress toward achieving global goals.

Looking ahead:

Serving as another mid-year milestone, we’re thrilled to formally welcome Ocean Exchange under the MTS umbrella of programs – a natural extension of our mission to support innovation and entrepreneurship in the blue economy. With this addition, we’re opening new doors for technology development, investment pathways, and industry engagement. Next month we look forward to a column from the Ocean Exchange Executive Director, Millicent Pitts.

The second half of this year promises even more growth – and more opportunities for MTS to lead. We’ll continue shaping global conversations, opening new platforms for members, and leaning into a future where marine technology is recognized not just as a tool, but as an essential force for positive transformation.

As we reflect on the first half of 2025, let’s celebrate the resilience, creativity, and large-scale accomplishments of the global MTS community. Our network is rising to meet the moment. If this is what mid-year looks like, I’m excited to see and be part of what’s next.

Thank you for all you do to move our community forward.